The Reading Warehouse

Gr 4–6— Part of a six-volume series, these books offer a broad look at the history of music, divided by location and ethnic grouping. "Are bagpipes Scottish?" Europe answers this question and others as it traces the origins, diversity, folk traditions, and worldwide impact of various countries' music. Africa traces the continent's history to reveal Arabic, Moorish, and folk influences inherent in its music, while detailing instrumental and vocal production used in performance. Latin America investigates the convergence of Amerindian, African, and European peoples, comparing and contrasting use of instruments, rhythms, melody, and poetry. Australia emphasizes the historical, religious, and spiritual forces that helped create song and sound in the region. A spread in each volume lists the instrument families and vocal and dance styles particular to different parts of the world. Color maps, reproductions, and photographs showing current performing groups and instruments interspersed with highlighted boxes of additional information also create informal, useful resources. Places to visit, organizations, and recordings are included as needed in each volume.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX